FlavScents AInsights Entry for Tagete Oil South Africa (CAS: 8016-84-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Tagete oil, South Africa, is a natural complex material derived from the Tagetes plant, commonly known as marigold. It is not a single compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for tagete oil is 8016-84-0. While it does not have a specific FEMA number, it is recognized in the flavor and fragrance industry for its unique properties. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in regulatory contexts. The composition of tagete oil can vary significantly depending on the origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Tagete oil is characterized by a strong, herbaceous, and slightly fruity aroma with hints of citrus and a floral undertone. It is often described as having a green, fresh scent with a pungent intensity. The oil is used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a distinctive character that can enhance the overall sensory profile of a product. The odor threshold is not well-documented, but its potent aroma suggests it is effective even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Tagete oil is primarily obtained from the leaves and flowers of the Tagetes plant, which is native to South Africa. The oil is extracted through steam distillation. It is considered a natural fragrance and flavor material, aligning with the "natural flavor" designation due to its plant origin. The formation of its characteristic aroma compounds involves enzymatic processes within the plant tissues.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, tagete oil is used in a variety of applications, including beverages, confectionery, and savory products. It serves as a modifier and impact note, adding complexity and depth to flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. The oil is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Tagete oil is utilized in fragrance formulations across several families, including floral, green, and citrus. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. The oil's volatility makes it suitable for use in top and middle notes, providing a fresh and vibrant character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of tagete oil include limonene, ocimene, and tagetone, among others. These compounds contribute to its characteristic aroma and functional properties. The composition can vary based on factors such as geographic origin and extraction method, which should be considered during formulation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, tagete oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use, although specific regulatory approvals may vary. In the European Union, it is subject to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with its FL number indicating its status. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulatory acceptance varies, with Japan and China having specific guidelines. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, tagete oil is considered safe within the typical use levels in food products, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, but it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, necessitating adherence to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate safety measures. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Tagete oil is valued for its unique sensory profile, which can enhance both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with citrus and floral notes, providing a fresh and vibrant character. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily dominate a composition if overused. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its distinctive character can add depth and interest.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on tagete oil is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. However, industry practices regarding its use levels and applications are often undocumented, relying on formulator expertise. Known data gaps include specific odor thresholds and detailed toxicological profiles, which should be addressed in future research.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-07-06 12:16:18 GMT (p2)
